1. NGT criticizes ongoing violations of the Forest Act in Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary, Sonitpur, Assam.
2. Case registered in September 2023, but illegal constructions persist.
3. Issues underscored as unresolved, emphasizing continued environmental concerns.
Guwahati, July 05: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has strongly criticized the ongoing violations of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, in Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary and Charduar Reserve Forest, Sonitpur District, Assam.
Despite the case being registered in September 2023, the issues remain unresolved, highlighting persistent illegal constructions.
The NGT rebuked the affidavit submitted by Rajpal Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF), calling it “inadequate and flawed.” Singh has been instructed to submit a revised affidavit within a week.
Illegal constructions, authorized years ago by the Assam Forest Department, continue to exist.
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The NGT found extensive environmental damage, including felled trees and disrupted wildlife habitats, to accommodate structures such as sluice gates by the Irrigation Department, ring wells by the Public Health Engineering Department, illegal schools, private tea gardens, and unauthorized roads.
Environmental activist Dilip Nath emphasized the presence of these illegal structures in Sonitpur, an area notorious for human-elephant conflicts. He raised questions about the legality of these constructions within protected wildlife sanctuaries.
The NGT has directed the state government to identify and hold accountable the officials responsible for permitting these violations.
The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change has also been tasked with investigating.
The tribunal also criticized Special Chief Secretary MK Yadava, accusing him of illegally diverting 44 hectares and 28 hectares of reserved forest land in Assam, which allegedly damaged Assam’s reputation.
